Brooks Koepka takes the step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights in a press conference about his reasons for returning.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf pro Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. Koepka had not competed in a PGA Tour event since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly realized: this comeback feels different, even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a bit different. I’m definitely a bit more nervous this week, just because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m super grateful to be here again.\”
Brooks Koepka: \”Being Close to My Family Is Very Important to Me\”
After three and a half years away from the PGA Tour, much is new for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The most important reason for his return was not sporting. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Clearly my family. A lot has happened in the last five, six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intensive discussions: \”Those were difficult talks, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed that \”this is the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. All the greater is the joy that his wife and son can now accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed a lot. \”I have grown a lot in recent years – especially in the last few months. Being close to my family is very important to me.\”
Looking back, Koepka does not regret his path. \”I have learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks forward with tangible motivation: \”I’m excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He especially thanked those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) – I’m super grateful to all who made this happen.\”
The First Call Went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person he called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to pursue a return to the PGA Tour. \”I always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting, but honestly, I didn’t quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods is someone he has relied on in the past for questions and problems, and that this call was